Why Do Shelties Sleep on Their Backs?

Shelties sleep in all different positions - on their sides, on their bellies, curled up with their nose in their tail, and sometimes on their backs with all four paws sticking up in the air. So, why do they do it?

Lying sprawled out on their backs shows they are super relaxed and have their guard down.

In dog psychology, this position is submissive. It shows they are feeling safe and secure by allowing their vulnerable body parts (chest, throat, stomach) open to attack. This is still an important instinct for dogs who, although domesticated, still maintain many of their wild instincts at the gut level.

Unlike humans who sweat all through their skin, dogs can only sweat through the pads in their paws. They also pant with their tongues out to cool down. Since the belly has the least amount of undercoat, sleeping belly up can also expose the skin to cool air.

If your dog is fast asleep on his back, it's best to adhere to the old saying "let sleeping dogs lie" - lest you disturb his blissful slumber. However, if your Sheltie is awake and playing, rolling on his back is often a request for a belly rub!